Dominant Territorial Aggressive Behavior

Question
Hi. I have a 7 month old German Shepherd. He is not listening to me. He bites all lot, anytime I'm trying to pet him, brushing him he just bites me. I've tried to tell him " no bite" and he doesn't listen. He has an aggression problem, first time I gave him a toy and came over to play with him he started growling and attempted to bite, I stopped and walked away. I love my dog but he is very stubborn and I feel as if he is the boss. He also doesn't listen to me when I call his name. I tried to squat and call him very cheerfully to come but it doesn't work. I've researched on the Internet. Also when I let him into the house he goes straight to the trash can and pulls out what is  inside. I take him outside and say no, but he constantly does it. Every time I let him into the house he runs around everywhere like its a jungle. I train him but he just doesn't listen, it gets very stressful. What scares me the most is when he's in the house and he has like a toy or something and I'll just walk near him cheerfully and he will growl and bark and I get so scared. I really hope that I can get my dog to listen. Please give me some good advice for training my dog. Thank you.

Answer
Jes,

I know it is very difficult when you have a dog that just seems to do the opposite of what you want him to do.  In reading your letter I noted a few areas that need work

1.  Your dog is possessive aggressive around articles;
2.  He thinks He's the Pack Leader;
3.  He thinks its OK to bite human skin;
4.  His running everywhere shows pent up energy;
5.  He's picking up on your fear and tension

It is clear that your dog thinks he is the boss, and as long as he thinks this these problems will continue to escalate.  If left unchecked your dog will get more and more aggressive.  Most behaviors can be changed but they require owner education so you are doing the right thing by inquiring today.

I get a lot of questions about this type of behavior which usually stem from cute puppy biting, chewing, jumping, nipping.  As a puppy these things are cute.... until the puppy grows up.  

Adding to the problem is that humans show love by giving attention in many ways, but dogs consider attention, petting, talking to the dog, looking at the dog, giving treats to the dog as a sign that what they are doing at this very moment is appropriate and will continue the behavior because it gets them attention.  So if you do not want your dog to continue appropriate behavior you'll need to learn to correct your dog like a pack leader would in the wild.  Affection is great so long as it is not given for inappropriate behavior but only given when the dog is acting appropriate.  

Your dog is picking up on your tension and fear, and your body language most likely shows that.  But your dog needs you to be confident, calm, assertive, and needs your body language to show that, by standing tall, head up, shoulders back, relaxed and in control.

Your dog is a high energy dog and requires structure and a routine as outlet for all that energy including, daily walks and fetching a ball, to burn off energy.

You did not say if you own a crate.  Dogs like them because they are den animals and a crate becomes their safe quiet place.  It might be an idea to purchase one if you don't already have one where you can place your dog for nap times and quiet times after exercise and meals. (My dogs like the wire crates, I purchase the 42" ones.  They fold up and can be taken with you when away so your dog can feel at home no matter where you go.


I can only skim the surface here, but I've written a good article that essentially covers all of the things you have mentioned in more detail "Dealing with Behavior Issues: How to Take On the Pack Leader Roll".  I'm sure you will find it very helpful.  You can find the article on my website Help Page at http://www.gallantshepherds.com/packleader.htm  

As far as his possessiveness over articles is concerned, this should cease once you've re-established your pack leader roll.  In my dog pack, the Pack Leader Alpha Dog will growl when the B, C & D dogs try to take her things.  It serves as a warning, and if followed with a nip is a dog way to correct.  Once you establish yourself as pack leader your dog should not need to continue this.  I include some information in the article about a "Leave It" Command you can teach your dog that should help with his possessiveness around articles.  The more this is practiced the better he should get.

The advice in that article should turn things around in short order so long as you are consistent.

You will find many other useful articles on my help page including how to deal with nipping, aggressive behaviors, dominance, and crate training as well as more on the pack leader roll

GSD HELP http://www.gallantshepherds.com/gsdhelp.htm
GSD INFO http://www.gallantshepherds.com/gsdinfo.htm

There is a lot to cover in your question so if you have further questions, please do not hesitate to ask.  That's what we are here for.

Please let me know how it goes, I'm truly interested in your progress.

Sincerely,
Gallant German Shepherds
http://www.gallantshepherds.com